CAN-ASC-2.12 – Accessible Communities

The purpose of CAN-ASC-2.12 is to develop a standard that goes above mandatory minimum technical specifications and produces equity-based technical requirements.

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility within their communities. These areas include, but are not limited to:

• Public realm and outdoor spaces such as sidewalks, crossings, and parks
• Inaccessible routes and connectivity including first and last-mile access and wayfinding
• Community hubs and services such as civic buildings, health and social services access points
• Public washrooms and water fountains and lack of accessibility features such as appropriate dimensions, signage and fixtures
• Service and guide dog relief areas  
• Inaccessible pay terminals and kiosks  
• Insufficient maintenance of the built environment  
• Transportation interfaces such as transit stops, stations, and drop- off zones
• Streetscapes and right-of-way elements such as curb ramps, curb extensions (bulb-outs), tactile indicators and street furniture (benches)
• Parking and access zones such as accessible parking and passenger loading areas  
• Access during temporary closures for construction or roadworks
• Emergency planning and community resilience including accessible alerts and evacuation considerations
• Zoning by-laws such as densification requirements and reliance on public transport
• Other considerations in planning and implementation including rural or remote contexts and cost impacts